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Friday, February 8, 2013

National School Counseling Week 2013: Friday

I work with new school counselors in my district, and last night was our monthly class. One of the topics we covered was self-care, something I have previously written about. It's February, and this can be an overwhelming time of year. Semester grades have recently been posted, causing both joy but also angst and frustration. It's dark and cold, and mental-health issues can begin to pop up with more frequency on our case-loads. Further, college acceptances are beginning to trickle in, application deadlines are wrapping up, and the anxiety over financial aid and scholarships has begun. Academic advising season is upon us, and kids and parents are wondering what classes to take for next year that will help them meet post-secondary goals. For many of our students and families, things are occurring that may be beyond their control, and they look to us to help steady and reassure them. It is in these times that it is most important to check in with ourselves and our lives to make sure that we taking care of our most important client: ourselves.

I hope that students and staff have taken time this week to thank you for all that you do. Ideally, you have also been able to share with your communities our role, preparation, and the impact that school counselors are able to have on students. This weekend, have your own personal celebration by finding time to engage with your families and friends, get some exercise, grab a massage, or just veg on the couch with some excellent bad-television. Recharge--it's the most important gift you can give to yourself.

Thanks, Marty. Indeed, I think it is in our nature to help others before we help ourselves. Yet, self-care is one of the most important parts of our ethical code--it is worth a reminder every few months to make sure we are engaging in restorative practices.

About The Writer

Darrell serves as a school counseling curriculum administrator with a large school district in Northern Virginia. As a counselor, he served as his department's Collaborative Team Leader, a coach for new secondary counselors, and helped to coordinate his school’s successful RAMP application. He also received his district's 2012-2013 High School Counselor of the Year award. Darrell has written articles for American School Counselor Association (ASCA) publications, has presented at national, state, and local professional development conferences, has served on the elected board of the Virginia School Counselor Association, and has been a RAMP reviewer for ASCA. Darrell holds degrees, certificates, and endorsements from the University of Virginia, the George Washington University, the University of Oklahoma, and Millikin University in Illinois. Additionally, he is licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Darrell's core expertise includes secondary school counseling and leadership, LGBT issues, grief and loss, and life-transitions. In his other life, Darrell enjoys singing, yoga, hiking, travel, good books, and good coffee.